Two young tea lovers have taken on a mission to save the industry in Shizuoka as farm closures continue to rise amid an aging population and growing public apathy about preserving the region's ancient tea culture.
Born and bred in Shizuoka Prefecture, one of Japan's major tea leaf producing areas, Akito Ohashi, 40, and Asami Ishizuka, 36, feel a deep connection to tea, a drink traditionally offered in pots at gatherings of families or friends. But, much to their chagrin, their passion is not shared by their peers.
Alarmed by a growing trend of people drinking bottled tea, in 2017, Ohashi co-f…READ FULL ARTICLE
